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2016 has been a difficult year for all of us. As we're in Mercury Retrograde and our end-of-year reflections, one of the issues for me has been to make a decision about The Secret Life of the American witch. The domain name runs out tomorrow, December 25, and I've decided it's time to let it go and move on.

I've been blogging under this for many years. I started in 2009, under "The Secret Life of the American Working Witch," because so many of the witchy-type blogs were from stay-at-home moms, and I wanted to represent those of us who worked outside the home. After awhile, it just seemed cumbersome. In 2013, I decided to try something new, and open up the "Imramma" site, which just never really felt like home. I returned to my 'roots' here, where it's been both a boon and a bane.

This blog has been a major catalyst in growth for me, and I believe it's been a tool to educate and entertain others. Lately, I haven't been blogging like I used to. My life this year has been a roller-coaster ride of joys and disappointments, which would normally lead me to write about it all. This year, I've been focused on my health, my family, and on closure. It's a number 9 year for me, and I've seen quite a few endings. This is simply one more. While it's difficult to let go, it's a necessary conclusion.

I've decided to write at kallankennedy.com. It's a work in progress right now, and I won't be officially opening it up until after the Mercury Rx. My Facebook page's name will also change to reflect this as well.

For my tarot and totem clients, I will still be serving you with readings. My plans are to continue the daily magic guide, to share articles of relevance to our Pagan community, to focus more on totems and to write more in the coming year. I have a few book ideas rattling around, and I may just pitch them to a publisher. Samhain's Sirens will be returning in October, and there are other interesting ideas on the horizon.

I hope you'll stay with me and share the new path to come. Thank you so much for your loving support over the years, and even for those few kicks in the pants that some of you are wont to deliver. I love you all more than I can express in words.

I was born in 1963, just 20 years after World War 2. Growing up, a lot of my mother’s friends were WW2 veterans. One in particular stood out for me, because of his huge forearms and gorgeous dark green anchor tattoo. His entire finished basement was decorated in all things naval. He would tell some of the best stories, but my favorite was his Pearl Harbor story.

You see, this man was a boatswain’s mate. They work in the bowels of a ship. The men who do these jobs are amazingly tough and dedicated to seeing a task through. His huge forearms were the result of pulling on massive cables and ropes all day long for many years- years that he almost didn’t have.
He was on one of the ships that was bombed on Pearl Harbor day; one that would sink to the bottom of the ocean... and he was in the bowels of a battleship when it started to go down. His pupils would dilate when he spoke of the booming concussive sounds that resounded throughout the ship as the first waves of bombs connected with their targets. They were all caught by surprise, and the scramble to determine what was going on delayed actions that could have saved lives.

USS West Virginia

The trauma would surface in his countenance as he spoke of pulling friends out of the boiler room who had lost sensory organs and limbs. One man carried out two of his dead buddies, because you don’t leave a shipmate behind. They got to the top deck just minutes before their home-away-from-home would plummet to the depths of the ocean. Many of their shipmates were not so fortunate.

The confusion and cacophony onshore slapped them out of their stupor, and they immediately fell back on their training. The devastation was overwhelming for them all. The United States had never experienced an attack like this prior to December 7, and my mother’s friend would say on many occasions that, “our arrogance cost us lives that day. The day you think it can’t happen to you is the day it probably will.” To my fellow veterans and anyone whose parents or grandparents or great-grandparents served in Pearl Harbor on this day in 1941, I salute you.

As Franklin Roosevelt said in his speech, it was a “day that will live in infamy.” Japanese Admiral Isaroku Yamamoto is attributed to having said, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” I don’t know if he said it or not, but the giant awakened that day, and has been on a rampage ever since.

May we all remember and forget, and sing our songs of peace, so that the giant may return to quiet slumber.

It's Samhain Eve, and the season of introspection has begun. While the majority of witches call Samhain "The Witches' New Year," I don't view it this way. Yule is my time for rebirth and renewal. From now until then, it is "The Time Between the Times," in which I review, reflect, and ruminate on lessons learned over the year, and prepare for the new year to come.

This is a number 9 year for me, the last of the 9-year cycle, according to numerology. A time to complete unfinished business, tie up loose ends, and rid one's self of things in his/her past which have been keeping him/her from progressing. I'd chosen my year's theme as "The Year of Living Artfully," thinking I would create new art, and try different forms of it. I learned very early that this will not happen in a number-9 year. Artful living has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year. I'll be exploring this in various blog posts over the next few weeks. For now, let's talk about love.

I've had a string of Coyote-men relationships my entire adult life. For those of you who aren't familiar with Coyote's symbolism, he is the trickster of American continent's totems. The way of the coyote is to teach through ways that do not appear straightforward. He may also use subterfuge or trickery to reach his goal or deliver his message. All totems are sacred, and yes, there are Coyote-women, too. Coyote is not my totem, but he has been trying to teach me how to love myself for my entire adult life. His lessons are sometimes brutally painful, but his intention isn't to make life soft and comfy. Trickster-remember?

This year, I had been dealing with a 30+ year old relationship with the first Coyote-man I met as a young woman. He was always charming, sweet, playful, and brilliant. He was dangerous for me, because he would disappear, then show up days/weeks/months/years later, always ready to melt my heart and charm me into welcoming him back, only to disappear just when I needed him most. There were pleas, pacts, and promises, and each time he arrived, I would believe that this time would be different. This time was different.

Coyote-man arrived just in time for the spring equinox, and we fell into our usual pattern. I hadn't seen nor heard from him in many years. For months, we talked and planned for a future together, but inside, there was a voice that kept nagging at me. A voice he didn't know and couldn't charm. The last time he and I were like this, I was recent to taking my vow to the ancestral call. Now, it was deeply ingrained- a geis that would not let me go.

He tried to woo me back to Christianity. I couldn't do it. I cannot unsee what I have seen. I cannot un-know the things that I have learned. I have been cured of the sickness and inoculated. I was (am) unable to be re-infected.

He began interrupting me a lot. Extraverts tend to do that naturally, and he is a 'talker,' but this became progressively worse. Each time we would talk, he would cut me off a little sooner, not really allowing me to finish a thought. He began making assumptions based on very limited information. I recognized the mulengro and began withdrawing.

He sent me budget sheets in which I was supposed to write down all of my expenses so he could put me on a budget (I know- I see your witchy faces right now. I hear your voices saying, "Are you fucking kidding me??" No, I am not,) and of course, I could not comply- I earn my money, and I'll spend it however I damned-well please.

He made comments about how he believes one person needs to be the "head of the household," which is a very Christian belief. I could not agree, because if anyone will be head of my household, it will be me. He did not want a level playing field. Instead, he wanted to dominate and conquer me.

All of my adult life, Coyote-men have found me a challenge. They would woo and charm until they believed they had me where they wanted me; then, they took from me- my time, my innocence, my trust, my love, my freedom, and so much more. They left me burdens to bear, and huge messes to clean up, every single time.

Each time, I've had to pick myself up and pull it all together. Each time, I got faster at getting up- stronger for the experience.

Over the years, I have learned from Coyote's painful lessons, how to love myself. I did not need this man, although in my heart for all of those 30-some years I believed I did. I thought he was "the one," even though there no such thing. Coyote came to me this year to teach me this final love-lesson.

We parted ways, on my terms this time. I performed a ritual to dissolve the ties with him, and all Coyote-men. I thanked Coyote for his lessons, and sent him on his way. He seemed pleased that I (finally) understood him. There was no remorse, no tears- just gratitude for the lesson, and pride in my growth.

This year has been filled with the lessons of closure. I look forward to seeing what my new year brings. I don't think I'll miss Coyote. He's gone in a different direction. This path ahead looks promising.

Happy Beltane to my friends down-under, and Samhain love to my friends up here in the northern hemisphere.

Sláinte,
K

*Google search produced no artist to attribute. If you know the artist, please reach out. I'd love to give him/her full credit for that beautiful work!

It's Samhain Eve, and the season of introspection has begun. While the majority of witches call Samhain "The Witches' New Year," I don't view it this way. Yule is my time for rebirth and renewal. From now until then, it is "The Time Between the Times," in which I review, reflect, and ruminate on lessons learned over the year, and prepare for the new year to come.

This is a number 9 year for me, the last of the 9-year cycle, according to numerology. A time to complete unfinished business, tie up loose ends, and rid one's self of things in his/her past which have been keeping him/her from progressing. I'd chosen my year's theme as "The Year of Living Artfully," thinking I would create new art, and try different forms of it. I learned very early that this will not happen in a number-9 year. Artful living has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year. I'll be exploring this in various blog posts over the next few weeks. For now, let's talk about love.

I've had a string of Coyote-men relationships my entire adult life. For those of you who aren't familiar with Coyote's symbolism, he is the trickster of American continent's totems. The way of the coyote is to teach through ways that do not appear straightforward. He may also use subterfuge or trickery to reach his goal or deliver his message. All totems are sacred, and yes, there are Coyote-women, too. Coyote is not my totem, but he has been trying to teach me how to love myself for my entire adult life. His lessons are sometimes brutally painful, but his intention isn't to make life soft and comfy. Trickster-remember?

This year, I had been dealing with a 30+ year old relationship with the first Coyote-man I met as a young woman. He was always charming, sweet, playful, and brilliant. He was dangerous for me, because he would disappear, then show up days/weeks/months/years later, always ready to melt my heart and charm me into welcoming him back, only to disappear just when I needed him most. There were pleas, pacts, and promises, and each time he arrived, I would believe that this time would be different. This time was different.

Coyote-man arrived just in time for the spring equinox, and we fell into our usual pattern. I hadn't seen nor heard from him in many years. For months, we talked and planned for a future together, but inside, there was a voice that kept nagging at me. A voice he didn't know and couldn't charm. The last time he and I were like this, I was recent to taking my vow to the ancestral call. Now, it was deeply ingrained- a geis that would not let me go.

He tried to woo me back to Christianity. I couldn't do it. I cannot unsee what I have seen. I cannot un-know the things that I have learned. I have been cured of the sickness and inoculated. I was (am) unable to be re-infected.

He began interrupting me a lot. Extraverts tend to do that naturally, and he is a 'talker,' but this became progressively worse. Each time we would talk, he would cut me off a little sooner, not really allowing me to finish a thought. He began making assumptions based on very limited information. I recognized the mulengro and began withdrawing.

He sent me budget sheets in which I was supposed to write down all of my expenses so he could put me on a budget (I know- I see your witchy faces right now. I hear your voices saying, "Are you fucking kidding me??" No, I am not,) and of course, I could not comply- I earn my money, and I'll spend it however I damned-well please.

He made comments about how he believes one person needs to be the "head of the household," which is a very Christian belief. I could not agree, because if anyone will be head of my household, it will be me. He did not want a level playing field. Instead, he wanted to dominate and conquer me.

All of my adult life, Coyote-men have found me a challenge. They would woo and charm until they believed they had me where they wanted me; then, they took from me- my time, my innocence, my trust, my love, my freedom, and so much more. They left me burdens to bear, and huge messes to clean up, every single time.

Each time, I've had to pick myself up and pull it all together. Each time, I got faster at getting up- stronger for the experience.

Over the years, I have learned from Coyote's painful lessons, how to love myself. I did not need this man, although in my heart for all of those 30-some years I believed I did. I thought he was "the one," even though there no such thing. Coyote came to me this year to teach me this final love-lesson.

We parted ways, on my terms this time. I performed a ritual to dissolve the ties with him, and all Coyote-men. I thanked Coyote for his lessons, and sent him on his way. He seemed pleased that I (finally) understood him. There was no remorse, no tears- just gratitude for the lesson, and pride in my growth.

This year has been filled with the lessons of closure. I look forward to seeing what my new year brings. I don't think I'll miss Coyote. He's gone in a different direction. This path ahead looks promising.

Happy Beltane to my friends down-under, and Samhain love to my friends up here in the northern hemisphere.

Sláinte,
K

*Google search produced no artist to attribute. If you know the artist, please reach out. I'd love to give him/her full credit for that beautiful work!

I am an Aquarian, ruled by the planet Uranus. OURANOS (Uranus) was the primordial god of the sky. The Greeks imagined the sky as a solid dome of brass, decorated with stars, whose edges descended to rest upon the outermost limits of the flat earth. Ouranos was the literal sky, just as his consort Gaia (Gaea) was the earth. Uranus goes retrograde from July 29 through December 29 this year. Freedom is the theme of this rx, and it's time to look at life from a fresh perspective.

Unlike other planetary retrogrades, Uranus becomes more potent during the rx periods. Basically, Uranus wants us to get real with ourselves. It's time to shake things up and determine what's really important in life. If you're in a bad relationship, stuck in a job you don't like, living in a place that doesn't feel right or spending time with the wrong people, Uranus will alert you to this in coming months. The realization may dawn on you slowly, and it may involve an uncomfortable period of anxiety -- but when you do have those epiphanies, pay attention. Make the needed changes; break up, make up, change jobs, move or do whatever you need to do to shake it up and move on to something better. In other words, be brave and embrace your freedom to go after it. And, the heavens are in your favor.

"Saturn and Uranus make a fabulous trine (harmonious energy flow) starting in December 2016. This supportive aspect continues all of 2017. They dance in harmony from 20 degrees Aries/Sagittarius into 0 degrees Taurus/Capricorn. This can mead a promotion. A windfall. Sudden Opportunities to do the things you only dreamed about. It can empower to make the needed changes in your life with grace and ease. You can work within the system to make positive changes. You can work within the structures in your life and make it better. This is creative revolution for greater freedom. This energy empowers your creative self-expression. Free yourself. You will free all. All Are One."

Take the time to figure out what you really want in life. Be bold, be brave, be blatant about it. It's time to make things happen the way you want.

In the News

Disclaimer: These are not authored by me, nor are these necessarily articles with which you may agree or believe. These are meant to provoke thought and discussion. These are out there, on the net, and are being read daily.

Book Review The Big Book of Practical Spells

Description: Practical, inspirational, and comprehensive, The Big Book of Practical Spells is a useful tool and resource for beginners and experienced devotees of the magical arts. Here in one majestic volume is a basic introduction to magic; a psychic glossary; a primer on the four elements, colors, and magical supplies (including minerals and botanicals); and a compendium of spells for any situation you may face.

With Judika Illes as your guide, you will learn how to enhance your psychic power, cleanse your aura, protect yourself from malevolent powers, and create and use a wide variety of spells. There are spells for marriage, fertility, pregnancy prevention, babies and children, money, healing, and transitioning to the next life. These are spells that will help make life easier, more productive, and stress free.

Previously published as Pure Magic (and also as Earth Mother Magic).

This is a delightful book for anyone's reference shelf. As always, Judika Illes writes conversationally, and the reader is given a sense that we're sitting down in her kitchen with a nice cup of tea, just talking about practical spellwork. The author is thorough and well-researched, without making the book seem too academic. Her passion for the subject is evident throughout. This book would appeal most to those just starting off in the Craft, but is also an excellent source or review for those who are well-versed in the art of spell-casting.

Astrology

Remember to get your Daily Magic Guide on the Facebook page each morning!

This Week's Totem: Dragonfly

Key words: Power of Light,/Color, Illusion, Dreams

Dragonflies are very ancient- they’ve been around for over 180 million years. They inhabit both water and air, and it is not unusual to find those with this totem who had very emotional childhoods, but as they mature, they balance it with greater mental clarity and control. As dragonflies are always found near water, the combination of the two is important to those with this totem.

Dragonflies are daytime creatures, and summer is their power-time. This is usually true for those with this totem, and they need to be out in nature to recharge. Dragonfly people are masters at illusion and are adept at dream interpretation. While they seem delicate, many indigenous stories speak to dragonflies having been dragons whose form was changed, or souls of ancestors.

Dragonfly people are very strong in spirit and make excellent healers. You may find that you are called to heal others on a metaphysical level. Dragonfly’s main predator is the frog. It is helpful to study those traits in order to do shadow-work. Frog medicine is also that of a healer, but mostly through use of water.

Dragonfly totem is the totem of transformation. It can help you throughout your life on your spiritual journey, as you grow and transform.

Have a wonderful week!

Sláinte (to your good health and happiness)

Kallan Kennedy is a writer from Irish/Greek (Celtic) origins living in Northeastern Maryland, USA. She has served the community in several capacities as Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Stew for six years, and sponsor of Samhain's Sirens for four. Both projects were laid to rest in 2015. She is currently doing artful things and playing in the woods.

She holds a degree in Religion and Philosophy, and is working on degrees in English and History. She is both an ordained minister and a U.S. Navy veteran.

She is an adventurer, bibliophile, and baking enthusiast who loves learning, science, religion, philosophy, geography, anthropology, politics, peppermint, her children and grandchildren, friends and friends who are family, being outdoors, animals, walking, hiking, and the earth.

The 2016 summer solstice, also known as Midsummer, officially arrives at 6:34 pm today on the East Coast of the U.S.. That's about two hours before the sun goes down at 8:34 pm. On the day of the summer solstice, the north pole is at its maximum tilt toward the sun, and the sun reaches its highest point in the sky all year, causing more light to reach our planet. For my area, the longest day will actually be Thursday, as the sun will rise at 5:36am and set at 8:35pm. Semantics, really.

I once was a summer child, reveling in the school break, hot days spent at a pool or the river, getting tan, eating all of the lovely summer fruits, picnics, barbecues, et al... I still love the thunderstorms.

Everything has a season. Summer is meant to be boisterous, bold, loud, and fruitful. It is the zenith of youth, where it marries adulthood, and produces strength and beauty. Its arrival should be celebrated with abandon. It is so short-lived, that enjoying every moment is mandatory. On this day, it has reached its peak. In a few days, the sun will begin to rise later, marking the downhill run to autumn and harvest. Tonight, the lightning bugs will dance in numbers not seen before nor again this season. The Fair Folk will be mischieving about, and magic will flourish.

Dance with the gods. Sing your beautiful song. Rejoice in the life you have been given. Feel your connection to all that is. This is your night. Enjoy it to its fullest.

The Eagle and the Jackdaw
Aesop's Fables (Translated by George Fyler Townsend)

An Eagle, flying down from his perch on a lofty rock, seized upon a lamb and carried him aloft in his talons. A Jackdaw, who witnessed the capture of the lamb, was stirred with envy and determined to emulate the strength and flight of the Eagle. He flew around with a great whir of his wings and settled upon a large ram, with the intention of carrying him off, but his claws became entangled in the ram's fleece and he was not able to release himself, although he fluttered with his feathers as much as he could. The shepherd, seeing what had happened, ran up and caught him. He at once clipped the Jackdaw's wings, and taking him home at night, gave him to his children. On their saying, "Father, what kind of bird is it?' he replied, "To my certain knowledge he is a Daw; but he would like you to think an Eagle."

Eagles and Jackdaws both have a purpose in the world, but they have very little in common, other than both being birds. Eagles are large birds of prey that are considered to be apex predators in the world. Jackdaws are small members of the corvid family that feed mostly on invertebrates.

In Aesop's story, the eagle was serving his purpose and intention. The jackdaw, however, found himself in all kinds of trouble by not fulfilling his own.

First, the jackdaw paid too much attention to the eagle. By wasting his own precious time and energy focused on the eagle's activities, he became jealous and wanted to compete with the eagle. He wanted to take that eagle down a notch- prove that this eagle wasn't "all that."

With this kind of intention, the jackdaw immediately set himself on a course of self-destruction. He quickly discovered that he could not beat the eagle by trying to "BE" the eagle. He ended up entangled in a mess, and, to add insult to injury, the eagle wasn't even paying attention to him. The eagle was already long gone.
In the end, the jackdaw lost his freedom both to fly and to live as intended; and he suffered the humiliation of having his true intentions exposed and ridiculed by those around him. How much would you be willing to bet that he blames the eagle for his misfortune, as well?

Had the jackdaw simply focused on his own purpose; had he been content with his unique gifts and talents, how much happier would he have been?

If you are an eagle being hounded by a jackdaw, I highly encourage you to ignore those antics. Focus on your goals, and continue to fulfill your purpose. Soar above it all, and keep being you.

If you've found yourself relating to the jackdaw, take heed of his cautionary tale. Don't look at someone else's life and envy it. You have no idea what their own challenges entail. One thing is for certain- they are naturally equipped to deal with those. They also don't have the natural ability to handle your challenges like you do. The eagle's beak is hooked. It cannot pick up sticks and use them as tools, but a jackdaw can. The eagle misses its prey more often than a jackdaw misses his.

In petty attempts to "take down" someone else by trying to be better at being them than they are, you only thwart yourself. Eventually, that kind of thinking and behavior will take its toll, and it only ends badly for you... not the other person. Most likely, they're not even paying attention to you.

Rather than waste your time, energy and self-esteem on futile attempts to be someone you are not, focus instead on the wonderful gifts that you can share with the world. Take to the skies in your unique flight pattern and fulfill the purpose that only you can. As the adage says, "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken."

Our diversity is what makes life special. The eagle is only better in the eyes of the jealous jackdaw.

Meme of the Week

A Pagan Call to Peaceful Res/Revo lution

"I read an article written by a journalist on their thoughts at being invited to a public samhain gathering. It is offensive that the stereotyping of crone, nudity and angsty teen movie actors are how they introduce the article. Paganism is a generic term, most certainly and we all know that, but many of us have hopefully studied and employed vast scholarship to this mysticism. Many of us have traced our ancestry to our indigenous European roots where myth, art, poetry, song, legend the tapestries of tree lore and animal knowledge are woven into spaces within brutal and consumerist cultures.

Through this knowledge and wisdom we are able to offer stories and connection to those of other cultures who, without appropriate sharing, must lump us all together as a bunch of bloody white, mostly privileged, middle class people trying hard to have some kind of significance when, in truth, we have nothing. Not without deep and honest lore.

This true ancestral information is almost forgotten, buried beneath the ash of Abrahmanic dominance. We pay attention to other voices than the propaganda of media. We hear mountains for goodness sake. We are oceans seeking a breath beneath plastic islands. Tony Mierzwicki, I thank you deeply for posting that article.

It is time, however, that those of us celebrating the seasons of our ancestors write new stories to add to the feasts. Repeating material written by Doreen Valiente almost a hundred years ago is no longer vital. Mimicking memes for the sake of sounding like we're with an in-crowd.

I raised a challenge a while back (see below) and I am still willing to get to Ireland before the close of the Gregorian 2016 calendar.I suggest an equivalent to a gorsedd. I know I have material to share. Anyone? If you know someone to whom this is a significant topic get in touch. I will summon us a community here x"

In the News

Disclaimer: These are not authored by me, nor are these necessarily articles with which you may agree or believe. These are meant to provoke thought and discussion. These are out there, on the net, and are being read daily.

Astrology

Remember to get your Daily Magic Guide and Tarot Reading on the Facebook page each morning!

This Week's Totem: Crow

Crow, as a totem, has different meanings to different cultures. Crow is the keeper of Sacred Law- not man-made law, but the Universal Law. Crow is a master of illusion. Crow people must walk their walk and talk their talk. Crows are seen as guardians of ceremonial magic and healing. In some cultures, crows are considered bad omens. Of course, you can bet that I'm not one who ascribes to that. Crows have always kept me from making mistakes, or warning me against danger or that something was happening with my family.

In my experience, crows interact differently with different people, which is why I believe there are so many different ways of viewing them. They are the smartest of all birds. They can not only recognize human faces, but will pass that information along to their young- to the 3rd generation down- particularly, if the humans are unkind to them. A human will be marked by crows as good or bad and then it will take at least 3 generations for that human to be given a chance again. I find myself to be a lot like them. I am not one who forgives and forgets. I tend toward just cutting people out of my life and moving on, steering very clear of those folks in the future. If you are a Morrigan Child, crows will be with you through your life for various reasons, as they are Her totem.

Overall, Crow's message is about change and manifesting it in your life. If you have been working toward a goal, Crow shows up to tell you that it's just about time for things to come to fruition. More than ever, you should pay attention to the omens and signs around you. Crow could also be warning you that you are either spreading yourself a bit too thin, or that you need to stop scattering your energy and focus on what you really want to manifest in your life.

Crows see the world cross-eyed. This is important, because Crow may be asking you to change your perspective in order to manifest your desires. Look at everything from different angles, and see changes you might need to make to bring you what you want.

Remember that Universal Law is not the same as what we think of as "reality". You can bend the laws of physics with your will. Crow can show you how if you are willing to be open to its teachings.

The Business Dictionary defines it as: "Influence over others, the source of which resides in the person instead of being vested by the position he or she holds."
And, here are a few others: (thanks to Google Search)

Web definitions, Personal Power:

Power is a measure of an entity's ability to control the environment around itself, including the behavior of other entities. The term authority is often used for power, perceived as legitimate by the social structure. ...

That energy which sustains our bodies. It ultimately originates from the Goddess and God (or, rather, the power behind Them). We first absorb it from our biological mothers within the womb and, later, from food, water, the Moon and Sun and other natural objects. ...

is based on individual characteristics that are acquired with varying degrees of difficulty and at different rates of development. Many performance skills are easily taught and can be rapidly acquired. Personality traits, on the other hand, take time to develop and can be difficult to modify. ...

is your power to control you and the environment around you. Most people realize that they are the only ones in control of themselves. While they may let others control them or persuade them to do things from time to time, each of us has control of our person. ...

By now, you may be wondering why I've included so many definitions of this phrase. I think it's important, as this is something that most of us within Paganism believe is very important to cultivate. But, I don't know that we all define it the same way. I don't know that we need to do so, either, but I think when having discussions on any subject concerning Paganism, Witchcraft, etc... one should set the expectation of what is meant by any word or catch-phrase so we're all on the same sheet of music.

"Personal power is a natural growth process that develops as a result of the life you live in the way of the witch. Others will notice you even when you do not desire to be noticed; therefore, personal power is the ability to disappear when you want to and appear when you want to. It is not an egoistical phenomenon! It is an energy (akin to magnetism){16}, a presence about oneself that will require a firm rein for the first few years. It will emanate from your physical body like a field phenomenon. This field is neither a conscious, nor consciously acquired, function, and you are to know and understand this. Posturing and arrogance are its illusory counterparts. Personal power should not be treated as such (that will be the ego seeking to manipulate a natural force and that is both ugly and offensive). Personal power is a direct result of accessing the lifescape of magic and of living within its field. If you allow yourself to become glamoured{17} by it, in either yourself or anyone else, you disrupt the web of the worlds and the places of power will withdraw, oh, even just a little, from the access of those who seek to live within their wonder.

Personal power is an accumulation of awareness, preparation, intent, and your ability to focus, all through the vessel of the self."

Now, that may seem like quite a long and detailed definition of personal power. Perhaps it is, but it is detailed enough to give one a really good sense of what that should or shouldn't mean, should you accept that interpretation and take it as your own. It should also help when defining a personal code of honor. It helps to understand for some of us who have experienced the phenomenon of being noticed when we wanted to be a wallflower.. or those of us for whom watches don't work, street lights go out.. etc...

It also helps one to see their unique yet entangled connection to other living things, and the responsibility we have to be full of care with it.

I know that when I first read this definition, it struck a chord, felt true to me and it became a part of my understanding and knowledge in how to operate as a Witch. I hope it's helped some of you, even if you don't agree with it, in defining what it means to you.

As always, I'd love to hear from you. Please do send a comment (remember they are moderated, so it may take me a little while to get notification that I need to approve yours), an email, or message me on Facebook. If you have a particular definition you'd like to share, or this hit home for you.. or even if you didn't like it at all.. it's all feedback, and that's invaluable.

A man was walking along the beach when he came across another man fishing in the surf with a bait bucket beside him. As he drew closer, he saw that the bait bucket had no lid and had live crabs inside.

The man replied, "If there is one crab in the bucket it would surely crawl out very quickly. However, when there are many crabs in the bucket, if one tries to crawl up the side, the others grab hold of it and pull it back down so that it will share the same fate as the rest of them."

So it is with people. If one tries to do something different; get better grades, better jobs, improve themselves, escape their environment, or dream big dreams, other people will try to drag them back down to share their fate.

Moral of the Story: Fight your way out of that bucket of mediocrity. Charge ahead and do what is right for you. It may not be easy, but you will never share the same fate as those never try.

If you are someone trying to make a difference in the world, I don't care how large or small, you're going to get criticized.~ become deaf to their words.

If you don't conform to what others' views of what you should be or do, you're going to be the subject of ostracism and ridicule. ~ dance to the beat of a drum so loud it drowns out their sounds.

If you make yourself vulnerable by sharing who you really are, you will have a target on your heart, and there are archers who cannot resist shooting at you. Some will hit their target. ~ Be stronger in your vulnerability.

There are bullies in the world who are insecure in who they are, what they believe and are mostly jealous that they can't be you. They don't want you to know that they secretly admire you. They don't want you to believe you are doing good. They want you to conform so they can feel better about their do-nothing lives and their milquetoast personalities. ~ Don't you DARE buy what they're selling!

You, who share uplifting stories, memes, quotes- you have no idea how much that might have changed the entire focus for one person today. Or yesterday... or tomorrow...

You, who blog about your personal experiences and are honest and open and forthright in what you write- you don't know how many lives you touch or who you have helped because not everyone will tell you how much they needed to read that they are not alone. You give them permission to be themselves.

You, who teach what you know to others, don't let those without your talent tell you that you can't.

You, who dress, act, write, sing, dance, make music differently than the rest of the world.. we need you. You are integral and vital to us all. Your brilliant threads make the whole fabric a beautiful masterpiece.

Don't you EVER apologize for being YOU.

There are 7 billion + people in the world. You have a tribe, whether you know it or not. Maybe you haven't found it yet, but they are out there. Your tribe may be small, but it's out there. And, there are other tribes who will celebrate your differences, as well.

Do not let those who sit on their computers blogging about you, snarking, bitching, griping, complaining, etc.. ever stop you. Don't allow someone else's low expectations become your internal messaging. They do nothing to help the world. They waste your time and energy when you let them get to you.

When someone attempts to diminish you and make you an outcast, it is from a nefarious agenda. It is from within them, not you.They are the dull, frayed, edges of the fabric which weaken and dampen its beauty overall- they will not make the final cut.

Be brilliant. Shine so brightly that they are blinded by your light. Your future's so bright,THEY have to wear shades. Write your unique adventure by living it boldly.

LISTEN to those who support you; the ones who say, "Why not you?"
They are the ones who matter. Your dreams are only limited by your ability to believe in them.

Astrology

Remember to get your Daily Magic Guide and Tarot Reading on the Facebook page each morning!

This Week's Totem: Coyote

Also known as the American jackal, brush wolf, or the prairie wolf, is a species of canine found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It occurs as far north as Alaska and all but the northernmost portions of Canada. The coyote evolved in North America during the Pleistocene epoch 1.8 million years ago, alongside the now extinct dire wolf. It fills roughly the same ecological niche in the Americas that is filled in Eurasia and Africa by the similarly sized canids called jackals, among which the coyote is sometimes counted. Its closest living relative is the gray wolf.

The coyote is an amazingly adaptive animal. Native American lore is rich and plentiful where coyote is concerned. Coyote is both creator and trickster. He is filled with magic, but it doesn't always work as intended. Therein lies the lesson- coyote always bring hidden wisdom with his trickster magic.

Those who carry coyote medicine are known to be pranksters, and like the coyote, they tend to get caught up in their own machinations. In many stories, coyote makes things more complicated than they have to be.

Coyote teaches the balance of wisdom and folly. These two go hand in hand. The ability to not take one's self too seriously is the epitome of coyote medicine.

Coyotes are very family-oriented, despite what television and theater would have us believe. We always see the coyote as a loner, when in fact, he has a very close-knit family unit. Many times, coyotes mate for life. The father is very conscientious and participate in the care and raising of young. Both parents train their young in hunting techniques.The male cares for his mate while she is pregnant, taking on the hunting and feeding of them both. Those with coyote medicine are wonderful parents and care-givers.

When coyote shows up, it's time to ask yourself some questions. Am I taking myself too seriously? Have I forgotten that playtime is essential to good health? Am I over-complicating a situation? Is someone playing tricks on me? Am I tricking myself?

"Coyote is you, me, booby traps, jet airplanes with toilets that don't work, blind dates, and all the humorous and whimsical things we encounter along the way." ~Jamie Sams/David Carson "Animal Medicine Cards"

Coyote always brings laughter and groans. Learning to laugh at ourselves and find the wisdom in our folly is crucial to our survival.

Meditation Time

Today's meditation comes from Omnia. The song is called "Alive". Listen to the song and let the lyrics sink in...

Hot like the sun
Wet like the rain
Green like the leaves
Life is a game

Stars in my head
Shine Moon shine
Everything's cool
And I feel fine!

Can you touch
the root that feeds us?
Can you hear
the words that I say?
Can you feel
the music move you?
Can you feel alive today?

Bumblebees and blossom, only trees and me
Humble bees and blossom, only trees and me...

Kallan is a writer, adventurer, bibliophile, and baking enthusiast who loves learning, science, religion, philosophy, geography, anthropology, politics, peppermint, her children and grandchildren, friends and friends who are family, being outdoors, animals, walking, hiking, and the earth.

Today is Friday the 13th, and we here at The Secret Life of the American Witch are feeling luckier than a
black cat stepping on a crack under a hot tin ladder. Sure, the Apollo 13
didn’t make it to the Moon, but ancient Greeks crowned Zeus the thirteenth and
most powerful god. Friday the 13th,
the 1980 horror movie, went on to be a classic and spawn a lucrative franchise.
How lucky is that?

The day got its bad rep on Friday, the 13th of October, in
1307 when France’s King Philip IV ordered the Knights Templars to be
simultaneously arrested and ultimately executed because God was “not pleased.”
The Templars were believed to have the mummified severed head of John the
Baptist at their headquarters on the Temple Mount. They were suspected of
worshipping Baphomet.

But 13 is not an unfortunate number. It is a magical number
and a decidedly feminine number strong enough to break any jinx someone might
be feeling. Lady Luck, in her
incarnation as the Roman Goddess Fortuna, had a powerful cult in Ancient Rome
through which she sustained the empire. It was rumored that she granted special
favors to her boy toy emperors and centurions who worshipped at her feet while
ruling the greatest civilization of the world at the time.

"For me, the number thirteen has always
been a lucky and magical number so I see Friday the 13th as a time to cast your
most powerful spells to bring your dreams to fruition,"explained Salem,
Massachusetts’ Christian Day,
the world’s most famous warlock.

Day is a seasoned veteran of public appeal through his book, shops, and many
successful events. Clearly, co-producers
Christian Day and Brian Cain worship at Fortuna’s altar because their premiere
spring offering in the heart of New Orleans, HEX
FEST, typically sells out months in
advance.

Madame X, the owner, administrator, mentor and matriarch of
the international nightkind coven House
of the Dreaming and co-founder of the New Jersey-based Vampire Court Iron Garden floated over to The Secret Life of the American Witch to
give some occult background to the number 13.

The spiritual significance of the number 13 “has ancient
roots beginning with the original 13 tribes,” Madame X said. “It had special
significance during the times of Babylon and Egypt and continues to have great
occult and mystical significance.”“There are 13 Buddhas, 13 Mexican solar gods, 13 solar
disks, even 13 Treasures of Britain, which are cloaks, crooks, drinking horns,
mantles etc. of the great leaders and heroes of old. The most interesting ones,
for me, would be the Cauldron of Dyrnwch the Giant and the chariot of Morgan
Mwynfawr.”

When asked why the ancients may have fixated on the number,
Madame X offered, “perhaps it has to do with the lunar phases, 13 degrees, 13
weeks is the time it takes from the equinoxes to the solstices. 13 weeks times
4 is the 52 weeks it takes the Earth to make one complete revolution around the
Sun.”

“The
number 13 is associated with the moon, which is not only feminine in nature,
but associated with the Goddess. Also, there are 13 full moons within a year. We, as women, have 13 menstrual periods within a year, which is why many women call their periods their ‘moontime.’ Our bodies' cycles coincide with the moon's cycles. That is why I believe the number 13 is feminine and sacred to women,” said Susan Morgaine, a Feminist
Goddess-oriented Witch who writes the blog ShaktiWarrior.

“The moon is thought of within Goddess Spirituality as the aspects of the Goddess as Maiden, Mother, Crone, stages of life that all women go through,” Sorceress Lisa Derrick explained from a gallery in the trendy LA Arts District where her artists typically sell out against the odds.

Luck is a Lady and we love the lady best when she is a tramp.
But let's keep the party polite, because lucky ladies earned the right to be as
fickle as fate.

"The 13th card of the tarot is Death, which symbolizes
the transformation and rebirth that can be found in the light of the darkest
shadows," Melanie Marquis,
author of Modern Spellcaster's Tarot explained.

All numbers may have energy if you apply them. Math is a
universal language in science and one of the sciences of magic is sacred
geometry. It all adds up.

“Power is where you chose to put it,” Madame X concluded.

“The most powerful tool in magic is, after all, intention.
For a Chaos Magician ‘Everything is magical’ and ‘nothing is magical at all’
are both permissible statements but only one will be of true magical value.”

Venice, CA based “Jinx Busters” presenter and
producer Marie Bargas explains it all is a nutshell:

"Thirteen is a number of
change, whether we like it or not. In terms of luck it can be good or bad
depending on whether or not we choose to fight or surrender. I've always
surrendered so it's been very lucky for me. Resistance is futile.”

Happy Friday the Thirteenth.

Tony Sokol is a writer, playwright and musician. He writes for Den of Geek, The Chiseler, hypnocloud.com and wrote for Smashpipe, KpopStarz.com, Altvariety, Coed.com, Daily Offbeat. Dark Media Press, Wicked Mystic and other magazines. He has had over 20 plays produced in NYC, including Vampyr Theatre and the rock opera "AssassiNation: We Killed JFK." He appeared on the Joan Rivers (TV) Show, Strange Universe and Britain's "The Girlie Show."